Toys for Tots need skyrockets

KENTWOOD (WZZM) - The holiday shopping season is underway, but many Kent County families can't afford Christmas presents this year.

Tim O'Connor, who is the Toys for Tots coordinator for Kent County, says he's received 1,000 more requests for help this year.

He read one of the letters Saturday: "My husband got displaced from his job of 12 years almost two years ago. They have four children. They're not sure how they're going to make rent, let alone Christmas."

In 2011, Kent County Toys for Tots served 3,800 families. This Christmastime, O'Connor hopes to help 5,000 families with approximately 12,000 children, living in Kentwood, Grandville, Wyoming, even the Forest Hills area.

Toys for Tots needs help. O'Connor says donations are down this year. If you'd like to help, the WZZM 13 studios, located at 645 3 Mile Rd. NW is just one of many Toys for Tots locations where you can drop of new, unwrapped toys. Organizers say the toys in highest demand are crafts and electronics for children 10-16 years old. You can drop off toys until December 21st; distribution will take place December 22nd.